Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 8 2026 | Acts 23:29-30   KEY VERSE: “I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment.”  (Acts 23:29, NIV)   MESSAGE:   In Acts 23:29–30, Claudius Lysias concludes that Paul has committed no crime against Rome. The accusations against him stemmed from disputes over Jewish law, not from violations of civil authority. This acknowledgement highlights a powerful truth: even unbelievers can recognise the integrity of God’s people when accusations are baseless. Paul’s life was marked by faithfulness, and though enemies sought to destroy him, the truth of his innocence shone through. This reminds us that God’s light in us cannot be hidden. False accusations may arise, but ultimately, truth prevails because God vindicates His servants. When misunderstood or misrepresented, respond with patience and prayer rather than retaliation. We must keep a clear conscience before God, so that even outsiders can see your integrity. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: When misunderstood or misrepresented, respond with patience and prayer rather than retaliation. We must keep a clear conscience before God, so that even outsiders can see your integrity.   PRAYER: Father, thank You that truth prevails despite false accusations. Help me to walk in integrity and keep my conscience clear before You. When others misunderstand or misrepresent me, remind me that You are my vindication. May my life reflect Your light so that even unbelievers recognise Your work in me. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 39: Exodus 24–27 - God Dwelling Among His People DAILY word study: DESERVED The word translated “deserved” comes from (axios), meaning worthy, fitting, or meriting a response. It describes what justly qualifies for reward or punishment. Claudius Lysias concluded that Paul was not axios of death or imprisonment. Though accused, Paul’s life and conduct did not warrant such judgment. Truth stood firm under examination. Reflect on This: When you live with integrity, careful scrutiny reveals what accusations cannot sustain.

Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 7 2026 | Acts 23:25-30   KEY VERSE: “He wrote a letter as follows: Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings.”  (Acts 23:25-26, NIV)   MESSAGE:   In our reflections on Acts 23, we have seen how God’s providence often works through ordinary people (Paul’s nephew) and institutions (the Roman army), as well as through unexpected circumstances, to protect His servants and advance His mission. In Acts 23:25-30, we have an official cover note on Paul, a letter from the military commander Lysias to the Roman Governor Felix. This letter was purely an administrative assignment done as a normal course of work. However, we notice that Paul’s life was preserved not by chance, but by God’s sovereign hand guiding even Roman officials in their official duties. The letter written by Claudius Lysias worked to Paul's advantage because it emphasised certain information. First, it communicated that Paul was a Roman citizen. Secondly, it insisted that Paul was innocent of any crime deserving death. Thirdly, it reported the commander’s responsibility to protect Paul from harm. Finally, it moved the matter from a lower level to a higher authority. The commander’s letter may seem like routine bureaucracy, but it was part of God’s larger plan to bring Paul to Rome. What looks ordinary or administrative in our lives may actually be God’s providential hand directing our steps. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Look for God in the ordinary: a letter, a conversation, or a small decision may be part of His greater plan. Trust God to use the everyday things in your life to work out His plans for your life.   PRAYER: Lord, thank You for reminding us that You are always at work, even through ordinary people and unexpected circumstances. Help us to trust Your providence, rest in Your promises, and see Your hand guiding us each day. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen .THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 38: Exodus 20–23 - Living as God’s Redeemed People DAILY word study: WROTE The term ἔγραψεν (egrapsen), from γράφω (graphō), means to write or record officially, typically in a formal or legal context. Claudius Lysias wrote” a letter as part of his duty, yet God used that simple act to protect Paul, establish truth, and move him closer to Rome. What looked like routine paperwork became an instrument of divine providence. Reflect on this:. God often works through faithful obedience in ordinary tasks. What you do carefully and responsibly today may be shaping His larger purpose tomorrow.

Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 6 2026 | Acts 23:12-24   KEY VERSE: “Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, ‘Get ready… Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.’”  (Acts 23:23-24, NIV)   MESSAGE:   Yesterday, we saw how God chooses the insignificant and the seemingly powerless to accomplish His work of deliverance. Today, we focus on the truth that God also exercises His sovereignty through rulers and systems to protect His people. The danger to Paul’s life from the deadly conspiracy of more than forty men who had sworn not to eat until they killed him was neutralised through the Roman commander. He arranged an escort of 470 soldiers to ensure Paul’s safe passage to Caesarea. This account reminds us that God’s authority extends even over secular rulers and institutions. The Roman commander was not a believer, yet God used him to preserve His servant and advance His purpose. The Lord can turn the hearts of rulers, governments, and systems to accomplish His will for His people. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Walk confidently, knowing that God can turn the hearts of rulers to fulfil His purposes. Trust His sovereignty even when leaders seem indifferent or hostile. Pray regularly for leaders in your community and nation, asking God to guide their decisions for the good of His people.   PRAYER: Lord, thank You for working through human authority to protect Your people. Teach me to trust Your sovereignty over rulers and nations. Help me to walk confidently, knowing that You can turn hearts and direct decisions to fulfil Your purposes. May I remain faithful and prayerful, seeing Your hand at work in every circumstance. For Your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 37: Exodus 17–19 - From Rescue to Relationship DAILY word study : ORDERED The word translated “ordered” comes from the Greek κελεύω (keleuō), which means to command with authority, to give a decisive directive that must be carried out. The Roman commander issued a binding command that mobilised soldiers, horses, and protection immediately. God used the authority structure of Rome to execute His will without hesitation. Reflect on this: When God determines your protection, He can move people and systems with precision. What appears to be human command may actually be divine orchestration at work.

Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 5 2026 | Acts 23:16-22   KEY VERSE: “But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, he went into the barracks and told Paul.”  (Acts 23:16, NIV)   MESSAGE:   The God of the Bible is a God of deliverance—past, present, and future. His interventions come in ways He sovereignly chooses, often through unexpected channels. Paul faced a deadly plot: more than forty men conspired to kill him. Yet God did not send an angel or a ruler; He used Paul’s young nephew, who overheard the plan and courageously reported it. That simple act set in motion Paul’s deliverance. God delights in using the overlooked and ordinary to accomplish His will. Just as He used David to defeat Goliath and Esther to save her people, He used Paul’s nephew to protect His servant. None of us is too small or insignificant to be used by God. His creativity in deliverance reminds us to trust Him, even when His methods surprise us. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Walk expectantly, trusting God to use anyone, even the least likely, to fulfil His purposes. Step forward courageously when God places you in a position to act.   PRAYER: Lord, thank You for using unexpected people and means to accomplish Your will. Help me to trust Your creativity in my deliverance and to walk expectantly, knowing You can use anyone to fulfil Your purposes. Remind me that no one is insignificant in Your kingdom, and give me courage to encourage others in their calling. For Your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 36: Exodus 14–16 - Deliverance and Daily Dependence DAILY word study: HEARD The word translated “heard” comes from ἀκούω (akouō), which means to hear, to listen attentively, to receive a message, and in many Bible contexts, to hear in a way that leads to response or obedience. In Acts 23:16, the form used points to a real event: Paul’s nephew heard about the ambush. He did not only pick up sounds. He grasped the meaning and the danger, then took action. His “hearing” became a doorway for God’s protection. In this passage, akouō shows that God can use alert ears and a willing heart to stop harm and advance His plan. Reflect on this: Ask God for a listening heart. When He allows you to hear something important, it may be an invitation to speak wisely, act promptly, and help protect someone.

Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 4 2026 | Acts 23:11-15   KEY VERSE: “The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.’”  (Acts 23:11, NIV)   MESSAGE:   Life can feel lonely and frightening when opposition rises against us, especially when powerful forces and overwhelming numbers place us at a disadvantage. Paul faced such danger: more than forty men conspired to kill him, swearing an oath not to eat until he was dead. In that moment of mortal threat, the Lord appeared with words of assurance: “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” God not only protected Paul but reaffirmed His sovereign plan; Paul would live to preach Christ in Rome! God’s presence strengthens us to fulfil His purpose, even when danger surrounds us. When we face trials, conspiracies, or threats, we can rest in the truth that God stands nearby. His presence brings courage, His promises bring direction, and His sovereignty brings peace. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Walk confidently, knowing God stands by you in every trial. Let His presence be your courage when fear surrounds you. Record moments when God has protected you from danger, failure, or despair. Share one testimony with someone who needs encouragement, reminding them of God’s faithfulness.   PRAYER: Lord, thank You for standing by me in times of danger. Help me to trust Your protection and walk in courage, knowing You are near. Remind me that human schemes cannot stop Your sovereign plan. Strengthen my faith to testify boldly of Your goodness, wherever You send me. For Your dear Name’s sake, Amen THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 35: Exodus 11–13 - Redemption Through the Blood DAILY word study : TAKE COURAGE The phrase translated “take courage” comes from the Greek tharseō (θαρσέω). It means to be confident, to be bold, and to have heart. Jesus did not only command courage. He stood near Paul, then spoke courage into him. Biblical courage is inner steadiness that grows when you know the Lord is present and His purpose still stands. Reflect on this: Where do you feel outnumbered or pressured right now? Ask the Lord to stand near you through His word and to give you the kind of courage that helps you stay faithful.

Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 3 2026 | Acts 23:6-10   KEY VERSE: “Then Paul,. . ., called out in the Sanhedrin, ‘My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.’”  (Acts 23:6, NIV)   MESSAGE:   Life is a long journey that takes the believer through mountains and plains, rivers and deserts, smooth and rough places. As we face different situations, we need to make decisions that enable us to navigate them in ways that honour God. In Acts 23, again, Paul finds himself in a hostile environment, facing leaders who wanted to destroy him. Yet he did not panic. He observed the situation, accurately discerned God’s door of escape for him, and wisely put his right foot forward by declaring his hope in the resurrection. Paul was aware of the deep division between the Pharisees (who believed in resurrection, angels, and spirits) and the Sadducees (who denied those beliefs). If the two groups are now joined in action against him, then he could divide their front by affirming and declaring his belief in the resurrection. The result was chaos, and Paul was spared from immediate harm. We can learn from the above that God gives His people wisdom to navigate opposition. Sometimes the way forward is not brute force but Spirit-led discernment. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Pay attention to the spiritual and social dynamics around you. Seek divine wisdom. Before you respond in conflict, pause and ask God for wisdom (James 1:5).   PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the wisdom You gave Paul in a hostile setting. Teach me to discern situations through the guidance of Your Spirit. Keep my hope anchored in the truth of Your Word, and help me to walk with courage and wisdom when pressure rises. May my words and actions point others to the living hope we have in Christ. For Your Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 34: Exodus 8–10 - A Hardened Heart and Persistent Mercy DAILY word study : HOPE The word “hope” comes from the Greek elpis (ἐλπίς). It means confident expectation, a settled assurance of what God has promised. It is not a wishful feeling. It is a steady expectation rooted in God’s faithfulness Paul said he was on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead. He was pointing to the core truth that shaped his life and message. His hope was not in outcomes, popularity, or human approval. His hope was in what God had already declared, that death does not have the final word. This kind of hope gives clarity under pressure and steadiness in conflict. Reflect on this: Where do you place your hope when life turns hostile? Ask the Lord to anchor your heart in elpis, a confident expectation that He will keep His word. When your hope rests in Christ, your mind becomes clearer, your words become wiser, and your steps become steadier

Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 2 2026 | Acts 23:1-5   KEY VERSE: “Paul replied,“Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”  (Acts 23:5, NIV)   MESSAGE:   As followers of Jesus Christ, living according to the demands of Scripture often brings us face to face with illegitimate authority, whether in the church or in society. Such authority can press against a clear Christian conscience and stir deep moral concern when pride, greed, and violence are used to misuse power. In Acts 23, Paul stood before Ananias, a high priest appointed through Roman politics rather than sacred succession. His leadership reflected corruption and compromise, more concerned with power than holiness. Paul, a servant of Christ, faced this situation with strong conviction. His response reminds us that positional authority does not automatically validate corrupt conduct. Yet when reminded of the law, Paul humbly acknowledged Scripture: “Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.” He modelled courage and humility, addressing wrongdoing while allowing God’s Word to regulate his response.   From Paul, we learn that illegitimate authority must be confronted with clarity, and our words and actions must remain regulated by the authority of God’s Word. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Beware of illegitimate and ungodly means of gaining authority or position. Refuse to court the favour of corrupt power. Let your conscience and actions be regulated by God’s Word at all times. Confront corruption with courage and respond with humility.   PRAYER: Almighty God, the only true and everlasting One, please help me to be authentic in all my ways. May my self-presentation reflect who I truly am and what Your grace has made me to be. Keep me from being impressed with fabricated fame and greatness. Teach me to honour righteousness, justice, and holiness, and to live according to Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 33: Exodus 5–7 - Power Confronted by God’s Authority DAILY word study : SPEAK EVIL The phrase “speak evil” comes from the Greek verb kakologeō (κακολογέω). It combines kakos (bad, harmful) and logeō (to speak). It means to speak harmful words about someone, to revile, insult, or slander. In English, "revile" means to speak harshly and insultingly about someone. Paul does not pretend the situation was fair. Yet he submits his words to Scripture. This shows a key discipline of the Spirit. You can challenge wrongdoing without letting your mouth become a tool of contempt. God cares about the truth you speak and the spirit in which you speak it. Your speech can defend righteousness while still reflecting reverence for God. Reflect on this: When you feel provoked today, pause before you speak. Ask, “Will these words honour God and help my witness?” Let Scripture guide your tone, not your emotions. Pray for a steady heart and a clean mouth.

Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 1 2026 | Acts 23:1-5   KEY VERSE: “Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, "My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”  (Acts 23:1, NIV)   MESSAGE:   The battles of the Christian faith begin in the spirit, at the level of thought, then in social interaction, and finally in physical action or inaction. Victory in these battles requires a clear understanding of how we measure up inwardly, a kind of spiritual self-assessment much like a doctor’s diagnosis at the hospital. The Apostle Paul demonstrated this when he stood before the Sanhedrin and boldly spoke from his conscience, now serving God in obedience to Christ: “I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” Though some consider such a claim unacceptable, Paul lived with his “life assessment card” always before him, consistently reviewing his walk with God. Often, the enemy exploits ignorance of God’s Word to afflict believers unnecessarily. When you understand what Christ has accomplished for you through His death and resurrection, you gain confidence to resist what is unjust. Scripture teaches that Jesus secured redemption for the whole person—spirit, soul, and body. Knowing this does not remove every trial from life, but it helps believers discern when suffering is unjust and when lawful or spiritual means should be used to seek relief, as Paul did.   Paul’s confidence was not rooted in pride but in grace. He first acknowledged himself as the “chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15), utterly dependent on God’s mercy. Yet, he also testified to his achievements by grace: “I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Near the end of his life, he could affirm: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). From Paul we learn that a consistent, faithful walk with God produces a clear conscience. Such a conscience gives us the courage to speak clearly and stand firm, knowing our lives are lived under God’s gaze. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Live daily in God’s presence. Guard your conscience before God and people. Build character that allows you to stand with calm courage.   PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Please help me to live in such a way that before You, before humans, before the devil and his agents, I can truly say “, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." In Jesus’ Name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 32: Exodus 1–4 - God Hears the Cry of His People DAILY word : CONSCIENCE The word translated conscience is syneidēs, meaning inner awareness, moral consciousness, or a knowing-within. Our English word conscience comes from the idea of knowing with yourself, a deep inner witness about what is right or wrong. A clear conscience does not mean a perfect life. It means a life kept open before God, quick to repent, and committed to obedience. Paul could speak boldly because his inward life was not at war with God. Reflect on this: What would change in your confidence if you kept short accounts with God and people, and guarded your conscience daily?

Rev. Tse Amable | January 31 2026 | Acts 22:22-30 KEY VERSE: “The next day, since the commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, HE RELEASED HIM and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.”  (Acts 22:30 NIV)   MESSAGE:   In our previous devotional, the Apostle Paul stood up for his rights as a Roman citizen when the soldiers were violating them. As soon as Paul identified himself as a Roman citizen, the physical abuse stopped immediately. Scripture records that those who were about to examine him withdrew at once, and the commander himself became alarmed when he realised that he had put a Roman citizen in chains (Acts 22:29). Paul’s knowledge of his citizenship rights protected him from further unlawful treatment. This incident reveals an important truth. Some Christians subject themselves to unnecessary harassment and hardship, either because they do not know their rights or because they are afraid to assert them wisely. The Lord lamented through the prophet Hosea, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Jesus also declared, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”  (John 8:32). Often, the enemy exploits ignorance of God’s Word to afflict believers unnecessarily. When you understand what Christ has accomplished for you through His death and resurrection, you gain confidence to resist what is unjust. Scripture teaches that Jesus secured redemption for the whole person—spirit, soul, and body. Knowing this does not remove every trial from life, but it helps believers discern when suffering is unjust and when lawful or spiritual means should be used to seek relief, as Paul did.   As believers, our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). This heavenly citizenship comes with privileges and responsibilities clearly revealed in Scripture. It is therefore vital to study God’s Word and grow in understanding of all that salvation in Christ provides. When you know your position in Christ, you are better equipped to stand firm and walk in the freedom God intends for His children. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Are you suffering unnecessarily because of your lack of knowledge of the promises of God, which are abundantly available in the scriptures? The Bible says we are more than conquerors. God has given you power and authority to overcome Satan. You have powerful weapons available to be deployed against the powers of hell. Study the Bible to know your position in Christ.   PRAYER: Father, I thank you for what Jesus Christ bequeathed to me as an heir of God and a joint-heir with Him. Open my eyes to see that those who are on my side are more than those who are against me. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 31: Job 41–42 - Humility, Restoration, and Renewed Trust DAILY word study: RELEASED When Paul asserted his rights, Scripture says the commander released him. That single action signals a decisive shift in the situation. The Greek word for Released is Luō. It means to loosen, untie, or set free. It is used for unbinding restraints, dissolving a hold, or removing what limits movement. Paul’s release was not accidental. Knowledge, spoken wisely, led to freedom. God used truth and lawful appeal to halt injustice and change the course of events. Reflect on this Knowing who you are in Christ and acting with wisdom can loosen pressures that should never bind you. Truth, when applied rightly, opens doors God intends to open.

Rev. Tse Amable | January 30 2026 | Acts 22:22-29   KEY VERSE: “As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, 'Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn't even been found guilty?’” (Acts 22:25 NIV)   MESSAGE:   Being a citizen of any nation comes with certain rights and privileges which foreigners cannot enjoy. For example, if you are a citizen of Ghana, you qualify to stand for election as President of the Republic, provided you meet other requirements. When Apostle Paul was being physically abused, he objected to that physical abuse of his rights as a Roman citizen. He knew what he was entitled to as a citizen and stood up against the abuse. There are 2 truths here. First, you must know your rights. In many countries, citizens' rights are found in the constitution and other relevant subsidiary legislation. Secondly, you should not allow anyone to abuse your rights unjustly. You must therefore stand up and demand to be treated in accordance with the law when your rights are being abused. As a Christian, you are a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Bible says, “our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20 NIV). Being citizens of Heaven also comes with citizenship rights, which we find in the Bible. One of the rights was shared by Jesus Christ when he said, “It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom!” (Luke 12:32 AMP). In another place, the Bible says “ALL THINGS ARE YOURS” (1 Corinthians 3:21 NIV), because you belong to Christ and live under His lordship. It is your responsibility through the study of the Bible and prayer to know your rights as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Do you know that privileges and rights go with obligations and responsibilities? Inasmuch as you should know and stand up against the abuse of your citizenship rights, you must also know and not be found wanting in carrying out your obligations and responsibilities, such as obeying your elected rulers and paying your taxes. Know also that as a citizen, you are deemed to be innocent until you are proven guilty by a competent court of jurisdiction. As a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven, you have direct access to the throne of grace. It is your citizenship right. Therefore, approach God with boldness.   PRAYER: Father, I thank you for accepting me as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven and for the rights I enjoy. Give me the courage and boldness to stand against any abuse of my citizenship rights as a citizen of my earthly nation, as well as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 30: Job 38–40 - When God Speaks from the Storm DAILY word study : CITIZEN Paul’s calm but firm question to the centurion was not an act of emotional resistance. It was a deliberate appeal grounded in identity. At that moment, Paul acted from an awareness of who he was and what that status meant. The idea of citizenship in this passage connects with the Greek concepts politeuomai / politeia, which refer to one’s legal status, rights, and responsibilities within a recognised community or commonwealth. Paul did not deny his suffering, but he refused unlawful treatment. His response shows that faith does not cancel lawful rights. Instead, wisdom discerns when to endure quietly and when to speak with clarity and courage. Reflect on this: Knowing your God-given identity shapes how you respond to pressure. When you understand who you are, you can speak without fear and stand without aggression.

Rev. Tse Amable | January 29 2026 | Acts 22:22-29   KEY VERSE: “Then the commander ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and questioned in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this.” (Acts 22:24, NIV)   MESSAGE:   It is common practice to question suspects to establish evidence for an alleged offence. However, in the case of Apostle Paul, the Roman commander ordered that flogging be used as a means of interrogation to discover why the crowd was shouting against him. This action amounted to a clear abuse of Paul’s human rights. Yet, for a student of Scripture, this treatment should not come as a surprise.   Paul’s suffering was a fulfilment of the word spoken by the Lord concerning him. When Ananias was sent to Saul of Tarsus, the Lord declared, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:16 NIV). From the beginning of his call, suffering was intertwined with Paul’s obedience to Christ. His trials were not signs of failure or divine displeasure, but evidence of faithful participation in Christ’s mission.   Scripture teaches that while salvation is received by grace through faith, suffering often accompanies a life of faithful discipleship in a fallen world. Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10 NIV). Paul and Barnabas later strengthened the disciples by reminding them that “we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22 NIV). Years afterwards, Paul exhorted Timothy, “Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3).   Every believer has a measure of cost attached to following Christ. We are not called to seek suffering, but neither are we to flee it when faithfulness demands endurance. God uses such moments to refine His servants, bear witness to His truth, and shape Christlike character. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Have you ever faced hardship, opposition, or ridicule simply because of your commitment to Christ? How did you respond? When the apostles were beaten and warned not to preach again, they rejoiced that they had been counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41). If you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, this finds favour with God. Christ Himself suffered in this way, leaving us an example to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:20–21).   PRAYER: Father, I thank You for the honour of standing with Christ, even when obedience brings hardship. Strengthen me to endure my share of suffering with patience, faith, and humility. Help me to remain faithful, trusting that You are at work in every trial for Your glory. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 29: Job 35–37 - Preparing for God’s Response DAILY word study : FLOGGED The commander’s decision to flog Paul reveals how quickly injustice can follow misunderstanding. This single word draws us into the harsh reality of what obedience to Christ sometimes costs. The word translated “flogged” comes from the Greek mastizō, meaning to scourge, whip, or lash severely. It was commonly associated with Roman interrogation through physical punishment. This was not discipline after a proven crime but suffering imposed before the truth was established. Paul endured pain not because he was guilty, but because he was faithful to God’s calling. Reflect on this: Faithfulness does not always protect believers from suffering. Yet God remains present in moments where obedience leads through hardship rather than comfort.

Rev. Tse Amable | January 28 2026 | Acts 22:22-29   KEY VERSE: “The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He's not fit to live!” (Acts 22:22, NIV)   MESSAGE:   Apostle Paul has been presenting his defence to this crowd who followed him after his arrest. He used the opportunity to recount his dramatic conversion and the subsequent call by Jesus Christ to send him far away with the gospel to the Gentiles. The mere mention of “GENTILES” infuriated the crowd, who would not continue listening to Paul but instead shouted that he be killed. The episode recorded is a testimony of the typical response of people to the preaching of the word of God. Some of today’s self-professing Christians will continue to listen to their pastor or teacher sharing the word of God on the pulpit as long as the preacher says what they want to hear. Apostle Paul, with his own experience in hindsight, admonished Timothy to “preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction”  (2 Timothy 4:2 NIV). The Amplified Bible rendered that text “Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favourable or unfavourable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome. Apostle Paul gave the reason for that admonition: “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”  (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NIV) If you are a preacher or teacher of the word of God, do not allow nominal Christians and mere church attendees to control you and determine what you should preach and teach. Let the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, guide and direct you. The genuine believers who sit in front of you Sunday after Sunday are the sheep of the Lord’s pasture. He knows the green pastures his flock needs for growth and maturity. Let him feed them through your teaching and preaching. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Does preaching about sin, immorality, corruption, etc., offend you? Do you try to control your pastor by threatening to withhold financial support to the church just because the teaching and preaching of the pastor is exposing something you must repent of and forsake? Do not stand against the preaching of the word because “all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 NASB).   PRAYER: Father, I thank you for giving us pastors and teachers who are feeding us with the word of truth so that we may grow thereby. Help us to submit ourselves to these shepherds of our souls so that through their teachings and preachings, we may be adequate and equipped for every good work. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 28: Job 32–34 - A Younger Voice and Renewed Perspective DAILY word study : LISTENED The word translated “listened” comes from the Greek ἀκούω (akouō), which means to hear attentively, to give audience, or to receive a message with consideration. It implies more than sound perception. It involves a willingness to engage. The crowd heard Paul, but their listening had limits. Once the message challenged their assumptions, they withdrew their attention. This shows that hearing God’s Word does not always mean accepting it. True listening remains open even when the truth is uncomfortable. Reflect on this: God calls His servants to speak faithfully, not to control how the message is received. Our responsibility is obedience. The response belongs to the hearers.